In December 2022, the Los Angeles Dodgers added to their depth by acquiring Yonny Hernández in a trade with the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.
At the time, it seemed like a move to just fill out the 40-man roster for the time being and possibly sneak Hernández through waivers to stash him in Triple-A off the roster. However, Hernandez lasted most of 2023 on the 40-man roster.
Hernández had some MLB experience when the Dodgers acquired him, appearing in games for the Texas Rangers in 2021 and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022. Neither were particularly impressive stints, but he found success in the Minor Leagues and provided defensive versatility.
The switch-hitting utility man did not make the Dodgers roster out of Spring Training, but he did have a few stints with the club throughout the season, first getting called up near the end of April and making a few trips between Triple-A and MLB through the end of July.
Overall, Hernández appeared in 14 games, hitting .136/.231/.182 with five runs scored, four RBI one double, a 20 wRC+ and -0.1 WAR across 27 plate appearances. He saw time at both second and third base, providing some positive defensive value.
Over his 93 games with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, Hernández hit .252/.395/.342 with four home runs, 72 runs scored, 34 RBI, 17 stolen bases and a 93 wRC+.
On September 1, 2023, the Dodgers outrighted Yonny Hernández off their 40-man roster and sent him to Triple-A to make room for Kolten Wong.
He ended up electing free agency following the season, and a little more than a week later he signed a Minor League contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Yonny Hernández 2023 highlight
On June 28 against the Colorado Rockies, Hernández drove in three runs and had his highest win probability added in a game at 0.051. He went 1-for-3 with a single and a sacrifice fly.
Unfortunately, the Dodgers still dropped the game, 9-8, despite Hernandez’s best efforts.
2024 outlook
Hernández should once again play a similar role in 2024, providing the Brewers with organizational depth and making appearances at the MLB level when the team is in need of a replacement hitter for their bench.
It seems unlikely Hernández will develop into anything more than a bench bat, but his defensive versatility and contact skills make him a solid addition to any organization.
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